Hosanna in Humility: The King Who Came in Peace

On this sacred day, we remember the triumphant entry of our Lord and Savior into Jerusalem—a moment full of celebration, symbolism, and significance. Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, a journey that starts in jubilant praise and will lead us through the somber shadows of the cross before revealing the radiant light of the resurrection.

The people who gathered along the dusty road into Jerusalem lifted their voices in shouts of “Hosanna!” and waved palm branches, a traditional symbol of victory and peace. They believed their Messiah had come to restore their nation, to free them from Roman oppression, and to take His rightful place upon a worldly throne.

But Jesus did not come to fulfill their expectations—He came to fulfill the Father’s will.

The King entered not on a warhorse but upon a humble donkey’s colt. This was not a parade of political conquest, but a procession of peace, prophecy, and purpose. The crowd sought a deliverer from tyranny, but Christ came to deliver them—and us—from sin, death, and separation from God.

This moment of praise, although genuine in its expression, was incomplete in its understanding. The same voices that shouted “Hosanna” would, in only a few days, be stirred to cry “Crucify Him.” How quickly we, too, can shift from worship to wandering, from reverence to rebellion, when our expectations are unmet.

Palm Sunday calls us to ask ourselves: What kind of King are we looking for? Are we seeking a Savior who serves our desires, or are we willing to follow the humble King who calls us to die to self and live in Him?

Let this be a time of introspection and realignment. The One who rode into Jerusalem still rides into hearts today—not with grandeur, but with grace. He is the Prince of Peace, not only in name but in nature, and He bids us follow Him in humility, obedience, and unwavering trust.

As we enter this Holy Week, may we walk beside our Lord with deep gratitude, fully embracing His mission and message. Let us not miss the meaning behind the palm branches or the prophetic symbolism of the donkey. Let us not merely celebrate His coming but consecrate our hearts to His kingdom.

And finally, let us go beyond waving palm branches on Sunday—let us live lives that declare “Hosanna” every day, not in mere word, but in deed and devotion.

May the Lord strengthen your faith and use it for His glory, as you walk humbly in His presence.

Triumph in Humility: Reflecting on Jesus' Entry into Jerusalem

As we gather together on this sacred occasion of Palm Sunday, our hearts are drawn back to that momentous day in Jerusalem over two thousand years ago. The air was charged with anticipation, and the streets buzzed with excitement as news spread of Jesus' imminent arrival. Crowds gathered, their hopes and dreams intertwined with the promise of something extraordinary about to unfold.

In the Gospel narratives, we find ourselves transported to the bustling city of Jerusalem, teeming with pilgrims from near and far, converging for the Passover festival. Among them, a palpable sense of expectancy hung in the air, fueled by the whispers of prophecy and the fervent longing for the promised Messiah.

As we delve into the events of that historic day, let us immerse ourselves in the sights and sounds of Jerusalem's bustling streets, as we seek to understand the profound significance of Jesus' entry into the city. Join me now, as we journey back in time to witness the awe-inspiring scene of Palm Sunday, a moment that forever altered the course of human history.

In order to fully grasp the depth of the excitement surrounding Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, it's essential to understand the historical backdrop against which this event unfolded. At the time, Jerusalem was not merely a city; it was the epicenter of Jewish religious life and a hotbed of political tension under Roman occupation. The people of Israel had endured centuries of longing and anticipation for the arrival of the Messiah, a deliverer who would liberate them from oppression and establish God's kingdom on earth.

The collective yearning for the Messiah was deeply ingrained in the Jewish psyche, fueled by the prophetic promises recorded in the Hebrew Scriptures. Passages like Isaiah 9 and Zechariah 9 foretold of a coming king who would bring salvation and peace to God's people. As Jesus made his way towards Jerusalem, the crowd's fervent anticipation was heightened by their conviction that he might indeed be the long-awaited Messiah, the fulfillment of these ancient prophecies.

As Jesus approached Jerusalem, the crowd erupted in spontaneous celebration, waving palm branches and spreading their cloaks on the ground before him. This act of homage was laden with symbolism, rooted in both cultural tradition and spiritual significance. In Jewish tradition, palm branches were associated with victory and triumph, often waved during festive occasions such as the Feast of Tabernacles. By laying their cloaks on the road, the people demonstrated their reverence for Jesus, acknowledging him as a king worthy of honor and praise.

As we reflect on the crowd's expectations on that fateful day, let us consider the profound implications of their hope-filled anticipation. How often do we, like the crowds in Jerusalem, find ourselves eagerly awaiting the fulfillment of God's promises in our own lives? And how willing are we to recognize and embrace the unexpected ways in which God chooses to reveal Himself to us? As we continue our journey through this Palm Sunday message, let us open our hearts to receive the transformative power of Jesus' humble yet triumphant entry into Jerusalem.

The scene of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem stands in stark contrast to the grandiose displays of power and pomp often associated with earthly kings and conquerors. Instead of riding a majestic steed or being heralded by an army, Jesus chose to enter the city humbly, seated on a donkey. This deliberate choice was not a sign of weakness but a proclamation of his true nature as the Prince of Peace and the embodiment of humility.

In his mode of transportation, Jesus fulfilled the ancient prophecy of Zechariah 9:9, which declares, "Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey." This prophetic fulfillment was not a mere coincidence but a deliberate demonstration of Jesus' divine identity and his fulfillment of Scripture.

As Jesus made his humble entrance into Jerusalem, he did so with full awareness of the profound significance of his actions. He was not merely a political figure or a revolutionary leader; he was the long-awaited Messiah, the Son of God, who had come to fulfill God's redemptive plan for humanity. In choosing humility over earthly power, Jesus exemplified the essence of true kingship – a reign characterized by sacrificial love, compassion, and servanthood.

Let us pause to consider the implications for our own lives. How often do we prioritize worldly acclaim and recognition over the quiet path of humility and service? And how might we follow Jesus' example by embracing humility as the hallmark of our own discipleship? Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem should be our example of humility.

The events of Palm Sunday invite us to reflect deeply on the nature of true worship. The crowd's enthusiastic reception of Jesus was not merely a superficial display of adulation; it was an expression of genuine reverence and devotion. As we gather in our places of worship today, let us examine our own hearts and motives, ensuring that our worship is characterized by authenticity and sincerity. True worship transcends external rituals and traditions; it flows from a heart that is surrendered to God in humility and awe.

The crowd's expectations of Jesus were shaped by their own desires for political liberation and earthly glory. Yet Jesus came not to fulfill their temporal aspirations but to usher in a kingdom that transcends the limitations of this world. Like the crowd in Jerusalem, we too may have preconceived notions of who Jesus is and what he should do in our lives. However, God's ways are often higher than our ways, and his thoughts higher than our thoughts. As we journey with Jesus through the events of Holy Week, let us be open to the possibility that God's plans for us may exceed our wildest imaginations.

At the heart of Jesus' ministry lies the paradox of the cross – the ultimate symbol of humility and self-sacrifice. As Jesus willingly laid down his life for the sake of others, he demonstrated the true essence of servant leadership. In a world that exalts power and prestige, Jesus calls us to embrace a different standard of greatness – one marked by humility, compassion, and selflessness. As followers of Christ, we are called to embody these virtues in our relationships, our communities, and our spheres of influence. May we, like Jesus, be willing to humble ourselves and take up the towel of service, following in the footsteps of our Lord and Master.

As we bring our reflections on Palm Sunday to a close, let us pause to consider the profound significance of this sacred day. We have journeyed together through the bustling streets of Jerusalem, witnessing the excitement of the crowd as they welcomed Jesus with shouts of praise and adoration. We have pondered the historical context and the Messianic hopes that permeated the atmosphere, fueling the anticipation of the people.

In the humble yet triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, we find a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and his unfolding plan of redemption. Jesus, the long-awaited Messiah, came not as a conquering hero but as a humble servant, riding on a donkey to fulfill the prophecies of old. His actions speak volumes about the nature of his kingdom – a kingdom built on love, mercy, and sacrificial service.

As we prepare to embark on the journey of Holy Week, let us heed the lessons of Palm Sunday and apply them to our own lives. Let us worship God with authenticity and sincerity, offering him the praise and adoration he deserves. Let us align our expectations with God's purposes, trusting in his wisdom and sovereignty. And let us follow the example of Jesus, embracing humility and selflessness as we seek to live out the values of his kingdom in our world today.

As we depart from this time of reflection, may the spirit of Palm Sunday continue to dwell in our hearts, filling us with hope, joy, and a renewed sense of purpose. And may we go forth as ambassadors of Christ, bearing witness to his love and proclaiming the good news of his kingdom to all who will hear.

Bible Study for Sunday, March 24th: "Entering Jerusalem with Jesus"

Summary
On this Palm Sunday, we reflect on Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem and the significance of this event in the Gospel narrative. As Jesus approached the city, the crowds hailed him as the Messiah, waving palm branches and shouting praises. Yet, beneath the surface excitement lay deeper implications of Jesus' mission and identity.

Scripture Reading: Matthew 21:1-11 (NLT)

Questions to Consider

1. What do you think motivated the crowd's enthusiastic reception of Jesus?
2. How does Jesus' choice of transportation (riding on a donkey) fulfill prophecy and convey a message about his kingship?
3. In what ways can we apply the lessons of Palm Sunday to our lives today?

Share your reflections and insights in the comments section of the ministry blog.

Sunday Praise & Worship Message - Faith or Fickleness

Today we celebrate Palm Sunday, the day when Jesus entered Jerusalem triumphantly, riding on a donkey, while people laid palm branches and cloaks on the ground, shouting "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" (Mark 11:9-10, NLT). This event marks the beginning of Holy Week, the most important week in the Christian calendar, leading up to Easter, the celebration of Christ's resurrection.

Palm Sunday is not just a historical event that we remember. It is a reminder of the importance of welcoming Christ into our lives, our homes, and our communities. When the people of Jerusalem welcomed Jesus with palm branches, they were acknowledging him as the Messiah, the one who came to save them. We too, as Christians, need to welcome Jesus into our lives as our Savior and Lord.

The story of Palm Sunday reminds us of the importance of humility. Jesus could have entered Jerusalem on a horse, as a conqueror, but he chose to ride on a donkey, a symbol of humility and peace. This shows us that true greatness comes not from power and might, but from humility and service. As Jesus himself said, "Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else." (Mark 9:35, NLT). This is a lesson that we need to remember in our own lives, as we strive to follow Christ's example.

Palm Sunday also reminds us of the fickleness of human nature. The same people who welcomed Jesus with palm branches, shouting "Hosanna!", would later turn against him and demand his crucifixion. This is a sobering reminder that we too, as human beings, are prone to change our minds and betray those we once loved. We need to be vigilant against the temptations of the world and remain steadfast in our faith, even in the face of adversity.

It is so easy for each of us to quickly turn from being faithful followers to hateful, disobedient children. A recent Wall Street Journal survey showed that thirty-nine percent of respondents valued religion as important. This was down from sixty-two percent just twenty-five years ago. When we get our way and everything is wonderful, we are faithful followers. However, when things turn bad, we tend to blame God for giving us the problems and walk away from Him. 

We don’t want to make any sacrifices or deal with trials. All we want is the nice and easy things in our lives. People often ask me about the change in our society when it comes to religion. I have given it much thought and came to the conclusion that it is because of the prosperity gospel that has been preached. When people are told that 

God will make you rich and give you everything as long as you are giving to Him, they see God as a means to riches. He is nothing more than a vending machine. Instead of preaching the true Gospel, preachers tell their congregations to give and give. When the miracles don’t come, the preachers tell them that they aren’t giving enough. In the end after giving and not getting what they wanted, they are disillusioned and give up on their relationship with the Lord entirely. We are truly fickle and feel that we didn’t get what we were promised. When we accepted Jesus as personal Savior and Lord of our lives, we received what was promised, everlasting life with the Father. That gift came at a tremendous cost and sacrifice.

Finally, Palm Sunday reminds us of the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus made for us. He knew that he was riding into Jerusalem to face his death, but he did it anyway, out of love for us. As the Apostle Paul wrote, "God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners." (Romans 5:8, NLT). We need to remember that Jesus died for us, so that we could have eternal life with the Father.

Palm Sunday is a time to reflect on the importance of welcoming Christ into our lives, embracing humility and service, being vigilant against the temptations of the world, and remembering the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus made for us. As Christians, we need to observe Palm Sunday as a reminder of these important lessons, and as a way of preparing ourselves for the celebration of Easter. May we all welcome Christ into our hearts and lives, and may his love and grace guide us always.

When we remember the lessons of Palm Sunday, Good Friday and Easter and put them into practice, we can truly stand firm in His grace.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Palm Sunday Message - A Simple Message

Today is Palm Sunday. Christians around the world are celebrating the day when Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem to fulfill the prophecy given to the Israelites hundreds of years earlier. This day marks the beginning of Holy Week. It is a week that marks the trial, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. 

When you think about this week, you cannot help but reflect on the life of Jesus. His life began very humbly and without much fanfare. He wasn’t born a son of a monarch or a king. His birth was, for the most part, closer to the beginnings of a child born into poverty. His first bed was an ornate crib or bassinet. It was a manger, a feeding trough for animals, filled with rough straw. Instead of servants, Jesus had smelly farm animals around him. For guards, he was protected by shepherds who came to see the miracle birth. 

All throughout his life, Jesus didn’t seek out notoriety or fame. His life was simple, but left such a deep impression on not only those who knew him firsthand but also those who follow him today. His life, no matter how simple, provided us with the way to the Father and showed us His love through the life, death and resurrection of His son. No event in history comes close to making such a profound mark in the lives of so many.

When he entered Jerusalem, people cheered him and laid their coats and palm fronds down in front of him. He didn’t come into the city in a triumphant chariot with a spear in his hand nor did he come astride a mighty warhorse brandishing a sword. His eyes and heart weren’t filled with fire and war, but, rather, with love for those around him.

In chapter twelve of the Gospel of John, John writes, “The next day, the news that Jesus was on the way to Jerusalem swept through the city. A large crowd of Passover visitors took palm branches and went down the road to meet him. They shouted, ‘Praise God! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hail to the King of Israel!’ Jesus found a young donkey and rode on it, fulfilling the prophecy that said: ‘Don’t be afraid, people of Jerusalem. Look, your King is coming, riding on a donkey’s colt.’ His disciples didn’t understand at the time that this was a fulfillment of prophecy. But after Jesus entered into his glory, they remembered what had happened and realized that these things had been written about him.”   

Jesus came into the city on the back of a young donkey. For most, the donkey is a humble beast of burden. Warriors would never ride a donkey or even consider it as a mode of transportation. It would be beneath them and they would rather walk than ride a donkey. 

Jesus didn’t come into this world to subdue it with a sword or spear. He came to show the world love and to be the perfect sacrifice for each of us. His life is our example of how we should live daily.

In chapter eleven of John’s Gospel, Jesus tells Martha, the sister of Lazarus, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?”

His message was clear and remains relevant with each generation thereafter. The question that Jesus is asking you is plain and simple. Do you believe this truth?

If you haven’t received Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord, today is that day. He has given you the simple truth and isn’t forcing you to accept it. Jesus doesn’t storm into your life and force you into believing. He stands patiently waiting for you and whispers to your heart softly and tenderly.

I ask you to listen and take those first steps to him. You will be so glad you did. When you walk with the Lord daily, you have nothing to fear and can stand firm in His grace.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Fourth Reading for Palm Sunday - John 12:16

John 12:16 New Living Translation (NLT)

16 His disciples didn’t understand at the time that this was a fulfillment of prophecy. But after Jesus entered into his glory, they remembered what had happened and realized that these things had been written about him.

Third Reading for Palm Sunday - Matthew 21:8-11

Matthew 21:8-11 New Living Translation (NLT)

8 Most of the crowd spread their garments on the road ahead of him, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting,

“Praise God[a] for the Son of David!
    Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
    Praise God in highest heaven!”[b]

10 The entire city of Jerusalem was in an uproar as he entered. “Who is this?” they asked.

11 And the crowds replied, “It’s Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”

Footnotes:

1. 21:9a Greek Hosanna, an exclamation of praise that literally means “save now”; also in 21:9b, 15.
2. 21:9b Pss 118:25-26; 148:1.

Sunday Praise & Worship Message - Palm Sunday - Fulfilling a Prophecy

When we celebrate Palm Sunday, we sometimes only concentrate on the day and what was done that day. We, as Christians, know the story that Jesus comes into Jerusalem on a donkey and that people turn out to greet the prophet and teacher from Nazareth in Galilee. The people are so excited to see him enter the city. To honor him, they “took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!’” Others spread their garments on the road before him. The people could not contain their excitement to see Jesus.

But, in a very short period of time, things would change. The excitement will soon turn to anger and instead of wanting to see him, they will soon shun him. It is so very interesting how an excited group of people can easily be turned into a raging mob out for people in just a short period of time.

Unfortunately, all of that excitement drew the eyes of those who felt that he would upset the status quo. It was fine for him to preach his message in the wilderness and the backwater communities outside of Jerusalem. To most who were in power, he was just some sort of annoyance that caused a stir, but was something that could be tolerated. But, now, he came into the big city and was more than just a little annoyance. Some felt threatened by him while others wanted to see him disappear.

When you examine the prophecies, you begin to realize that this was only the beginning of something really big. This sort of big is more than the human mind could possibly comprehend. A few knew exactly why he was here. All you have to do is understand the scriptures and the prophecies.

When Jesus came into the city on the back of a donkey, he fulfilled the prophecy given to us in the Book of Zechariah. In chapter nine, he wrote that the king would come humbly “riding on a donkey—riding on a donkey’s colt”.

No king comes into a city humbly. There is always great pomp and circumstance that occurs. Think about how countries greet dignitaries from other nations today. There are bands, speeches and more bands and speeches. Flags are flown while the hosting nation displays its military might. In the past, the conquering hero would ride into a city on the back of a white stallion. The hero’s chest would be covered with medals or he would be wearing a shiny breastplate. His army would be following him into the city. It would be a great show of strength and power for all to see. 

In the case of Jesus, he came into Jerusalem on the back of a young donkey that was literally borrowed. He didn’t lead columns of soldiers or have banners flying overhead. No. He came into the city humbly. His followers shouted out and showed their love and excitement. It was truly a parade to behold and experience.

As he continued to make his way into the city, some of the Pharisees weren’t too happy about all of this commotion and hoopla. In fact, they told Jesus to tell his followers to be quiet.

In chapter nineteen of his Gospel, Luke writes, “But some of the Pharisees among the crowd said, ‘Teacher, rebuke your followers for saying things like that!’ He replied, ‘If they kept quiet, the stones along the road would burst into cheers!’”

The crowd was shouting and singing, “Blessings on the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in highest heaven!”

You can only imagine how the Pharisees felt when they heard these words. Jesus was a threat to them and the status quo. No one likes having his or her world overturned. 

When you read chapter fifty-three of the Book of Isaiah, you can easily see that Jesus came to fulfill that prophecy. Everything that happens to Jesus was foretold almost 700 years earlier by Isaiah. He came to be our atonement sacrifice for all of our sins. 

In chapter three of his Gospel, John simply yet eloquently writes, “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.”

In just a few sentences, John summed up not only God’s love for us but also His plan for our salvation through His son, Christ Jesus. As a Christian, you cannot help but be moved by these words and feel God’s love all around you daily.

As you continue to go through the Holy Week, remember that Jesus came to fulfill the prophecies and show to the world that the depth of God’s love is truly something that cannot be fathomed. As you remember and live these words, shout to the world your testimony of how Jesus changed your status quo for the better. When you do that and profess your love and obedience, you can truly stand firm in His grace.  

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 

Second Reading for Palm Sunday - Isaiah 53

Isaiah 53 New Living Translation (NLT)

553 Who has believed our message?
    To whom has the Lord revealed his powerful arm?
2 My servant grew up in the Lord’s presence like a tender green shoot,
    like a root in dry ground.
There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance,
    nothing to attract us to him.
3 He was despised and rejected—
    a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief.
We turned our backs on him and looked the other way.
    He was despised, and we did not care.

4 Yet it was our weaknesses he carried;
    it was our sorrows[a] that weighed him down.
And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God,
    a punishment for his own sins!
5 But he was pierced for our rebellion,
    crushed for our sins.
He was beaten so we could be whole.
    He was whipped so we could be healed.
6 All of us, like sheep, have strayed away.
    We have left God’s paths to follow our own.
Yet the Lord laid on him
    the sins of us all.

7 He was oppressed and treated harshly,
    yet he never said a word.
He was led like a lamb to the slaughter.
    And as a sheep is silent before the shearers,
    he did not open his mouth.
8 Unjustly condemned,
    he was led away.[b]
No one cared that he died without descendants,
    that his life was cut short in midstream.[c]
But he was struck down
    for the rebellion of my people.
9 He had done no wrong
    and had never deceived anyone.
But he was buried like a criminal;
    he was put in a rich man’s grave.

10 But it was the Lord’s good plan to crush him
    and cause him grief.
Yet when his life is made an offering for sin,
    he will have many descendants.
He will enjoy a long life,
    and the Lord’s good plan will prosper in his hands.
11 When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish,
    he will be satisfied.
And because of his experience,
    my righteous servant will make it possible
for many to be counted righteous,
    for he will bear all their sins.
12 I will give him the honors of a victorious soldier,
    because he exposed himself to death.
He was counted among the rebels.
    He bore the sins of many and interceded for rebels.

Footnotes:

1. 53:4 Or Yet it was our sicknesses he carried; / it was our diseases.
2. 53:8a Greek version reads He was humiliated and received no justice. Compare Acts 8:33.
3. 53:8b Or As for his contemporaries, / who cared that his life was cut short in midstream? Greek version reads Who can speak of his descendants? / For his life was taken from the earth. Compare Acts 8:33.

First Reading for Palm Sunday - Zechariah 9:9

Zechariah 9:9 New Living Translation (NLT)

Zion’s Coming King

9 Rejoice, O people of Zion![a]
    Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem!
Look, your king is coming to you.
    He is righteous and victorious,[b]
yet he is humble, riding on a donkey—
    riding on a donkey’s colt.

Footnotes:

1. 9:9a Hebrew O daughter of Zion!
2. 9:9b Hebrew and is being vindicated.

Sunday Praise & Worship Message - The King Rides a Donkey

In many large cities that have historical districts, you will often find bronze or stone statues depicting a great general astride a fiery stallion, flashing his saber as he leads an attack to rescue the people. Next to those statues are plaques describing the epic battle that was fought. The words describe the thousands upon thousands of soldiers with bayonets fixed to rifles behind him as they marched into battle. As you continue to read the stories associated with those heroes, you are filled with awe and a level of pride knowing that men were willing to do so much for those who cried out in despair.

Heroes, past, present and future, will always be celebrated and remembered in stories. Each one given honor and glory each time his or her story is shared with those interested in hearing it. But, there was one who was heralded as a king, but he didn’t ride into a city with a saber flashing as he yelled, “Charge!”

This king came into the city of Jerusalem not on a fiery steed, but, rather, on the back of a lowly donkey. A donkey is a beast of burden and only those of low station would ride one. He did not come to conquer those in the city. He came to love them and give them the gift of salvation given by God the Father. His hands were not clenched in anger. They were open in friendship and love. Those who witnessed his entrance into the city celebrating his coming like that of a hero. However, in less than a week, those same people would be demanding not the love that he brought but his blood.

The Hebrew prophet, Zechariah, wrote, in chapter nine of the book bearing his name, “Rejoice, O people of Zion! Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem! Look, your king is coming to you. He is righteous and victorious, yet he is humble, riding on a donkey—riding on a donkey’s colt.”

Zechariah calls this new king who comes “righteous and victorious”. Another word that he uses to describe this king is “humble”. It almost seems like the words should be at odds with one another. On one side, you have the word, victorious, while on the other, you have the word, “humble”. They almost seem diametrically opposed to one another. But, when you think about Jesus’ life and what he came to do, those very same words compliment one another and fit perfectly. He came into this world to save us not condemn us. He came to die for our sins and was resurrected to give us victory over death. Because of his sacrifice for us, we receive the free gift of salvation directly from the hand of the Father. That is the victory that was humbly given to us.

When you read the account of Jesus’ entry into the city of Jerusalem, you see the people greeting him and praising him and celebrating his coming. But, there were those who didn’t like what they were seeing or hearing. There were those who felt that Jesus threatened the establishment and wanted to overthrow the status quo.

In chapter twenty-one of the Gospel of Matthew, we read not only the account of Jesus’ celebrated entry into the city of Jerusalem but we also read about him clearing the temple of the money changers and those conducting business in the House of God.

Jesus says to those conducting business in the temple, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves!”

He is quoting the words of two Old Testament prophets, Isaiah and Jeremiah. He reminds them, and us as well, that when we come into the House of the Lord it is a place of prayer and not a den for thieves to conduct business.

When the status quo is threatened, things change very quickly. The same people who celebrated his entrance into the city were turned against him by those who were powerful members of the Sanhedrin.

It is so very interesting to think of this in our own lives. On one hand, we celebrate the coming of the Lord and on the other, we try to protect our old way of life. We say one thing and mean quite a different thing when it comes to what is in our heart.

Over the past couple of months, I have personally witnessed the dedication of EMTs, nurses, doctors, facility people, food service individuals and so many others. Each goes to work to help those in need and gives so much to each. I applaud them for all that they do.

While I witness this, I also see the other part of our society, the greedy individuals who hoard and sell items for a lot more than the standard cost. I see people stealing, cheating and robbing those who have very little. As I write about those individuals, I am truly sickened by the thoughts.

As we celebrate Palm Sunday, let us do it with a heart full of joy and the desire to live a life full of love and compassion for each other. Let us not change or go back to our old ways. Jesus came into this world to give us the gift of salvation and to save us from our sinful lives. When we accepted him as our Savior and Lord, we were reborn to walk in the newness of life. Act that way all the time. 

Later in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus, in chapter twenty-three, criticizes the religious leaders by telling them, “Outwardly you look like righteous people, but inwardly your hearts are filled with hypocrisy and lawlessness.”

Celebrate Palm Sunday not only outwardly but also from the inside. Do not be accused of being a hypocrite by doing things you know are wrong. When you live a life that has been transformed, live it in love and service to all of God’s children. When you do all things that you, as a child of God, know are righteous, you can easily stand firm in His grace.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Palm Sunday

Matthew 21:9 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

9 The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting,

“Hosanna to the Son of David!
    Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

Jesus Enters Jerusalem!

Luke 19:28-40 New Living Translation (NLT)

Jesus’ Triumphant Entry

28 After telling this story, Jesus went on toward Jerusalem, walking ahead of his disciples. 29 As he came to the towns of Bethphage and Bethany on the Mount of Olives, he sent two disciples ahead. 30 “Go into that village over there,” he told them. “As you enter it, you will see a young donkey tied there that no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks, ‘Why are you untying that colt?’ just say, ‘The Lord needs it.’”

32 So they went and found the colt, just as Jesus had said. 33 And sure enough, as they were untying it, the owners asked them, “Why are you untying that colt?”

34 And the disciples simply replied, “The Lord needs it.” 35 So they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their garments over it for him to ride on.

36 As he rode along, the crowds spread out their garments on the road ahead of him. 37 When he reached the place where the road started down the Mount of Olives, all of his followers began to shout and sing as they walked along, praising God for all the wonderful miracles they had seen.

38 “Blessings on the King who comes in the name of the Lord!
    Peace in heaven, and glory in highest heaven!”[a]

39 But some of the Pharisees among the crowd said, “Teacher, rebuke your followers for saying things like that!”

40 He replied, “If they kept quiet, the stones along the road would burst into cheers!”

Footnotes:

1. 19:38 Pss 118:26; 148:1.